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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Guitarist TJ Buggins is a young talent live music fans will see a lot of in coming months.

Buggins is part of an emerging band that plans to step on stages this winter.

Under Construction is a versatile cover band that also plays a growing number of original tunes.

The musicians are inspired by classic metal and new metal genres.

Buggins provides rhythm guitar alongside vocalist Steph Hervieux, bassist Jean Claude, drummer Myles Simba and lead guitarist Eliot Brown. The band practices every week to build chemistry and a full set list.

"TJ is a phenomenal guitarist," Hervieux said. "He's got a very good grasp of rhythm and timing. He's a well-rounded musician and he can play sweet leads."

In addition to his burgeoning band, Buggins performs prodigiously in the local music scene. He has appeared on stage with several established songwriters in recent weeks.

"The last month out of nowhere people started asking me to play shows with them," Buggins said. "It's been pretty exciting. I can't express my appreciation enough for letting me get up there and play with them."

Hip hop artist Kiera Kolson invited Buggins to perform with her during the T'Seko Celebration of Northern women in music at the Top Knight a few weeks ago.

Diga spotted Buggins on stage and enlisted him as a backup performer during a recent Top Knight gig.

Next week he's scheduled to perform with songwriter Mary Caroline at several venues.

"TJ had a band in high school and I saw some of their stuff on YouTube and it's really good," Caroline said.

Years ago Buggins played Aboriginal Day and Music in the Park with bands made up of musicians Erich Hintz, Julie Hintz, Tim Edwards and others. Back then they played covers of Tool, A Perfect Circle and other progressive rock bands.

"We're going to be doing more melodic-based rock. I want it to be more rock n' roll than my singer/songwriter stuff. I can't really say what it will turn into but it's exciting," Caroline said.

TJ's dad, Tony Buggins, first inspired him to pick up the guitar eight years ago. He expressed himself through metal for a few years but when he turned 19 he started performing classic country on stage with his dad at the Gold Range.

"My dad and I want to try to record music together and put a CD out," Buggins said. "It would be pretty fun to do. We've been talking about it for awhile."

TJ joined his dad on stage along with Norbert Poitras and Allan Cardinal for the Celebration of Life suicide prevention conference in Ndilo.

This week Buggins is working on his parts for Caroline's gigs and jamming with Under Construction. He said he's looking forward to playing more stages with more musicians this fall. He will appear with Caroline on Oct. 11 at Fuego.

"It'll be fun," Buggins said. "Music is connecting around Yellowknife."